Recent content by DaveM

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    Zinc additive for engine oil?

    I admit that I have been away for a while--layoff, relocation, blah, blah, blah and now it is time to get into the boating scene. While buying oil/fuel filters this marine mechanic started a rant about EPA standards and needing to use a zinc additive to the engine oil. Otherwise I will flatten...
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    Roster tail fear - technical advice needed

    I hate to admit this, but I am starting to have fear crossing the wake on my weak/off side turn. I don't have this problem from my strong side. I am hoping that someone can describe the proper stance and technique when crossing the wake that eventually gets me over this new fear of mine. I...
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    A vibration when using a Qucksilver prop

    I bought a new 15 x 19 Qucksilver prop for my 4.3L Volvo Penta SX and immediately noticed a high frequency vibration. It goes away if I replace that prop with the original Volvo 15 x 19 prop. There are no dings in it. According to a boat technician, I don't need to worry about this unless it...
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    Does vapor lock really happen?

    Sorry for this being a bit wordy. But I always thought that vapor lock was something tossed out when there was seemingly no easy explanation for an engine to stall. Perhaps it is real? Here's what happened... Launch the boat and cruise 35 minutes (or so) across the lake loaded with stuff to...
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    1994 Welcraft Excel 20SL prop options

    I have a 1994 Excel 20-SL powered by a carbed VP 4.3L V6 and am currently running with the stock 15 X 17 aluminum prop. Any owners using something different?
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    Gelcoat repair help

    I got bumped by another boat and I need some help figuring out what all I need to do to fix my gelcoat. You might be able to see the gelcoat damage in these pics, but what you can't see is a 4 inch crack that I can feel on the inside gunwale. This is on the starboard side stern, just above the...
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    Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark

    I was bumped by another boat and it looks like I need to learn how to do some gelcoat repair. If my pics attach correctly you can see the gelcoat damage. What you can't see is a 4 inch crack that I can feel on the inside gunwale. I have not done any type of repair like this and I have...
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    Can I tow this with my Geo Metro?

    I watched in amazement as a Geo Metro drove by pulling a rather large utility trailer (although any trailer would look large behind a Metro). Then I noticed Mr. Geo was hauling a load of bricks! This must have been close to 4000# judging from how that Metro was squatting in the rear. I...
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    Any bets? I say he is doomed

    A friend just confessed that he did not pull his boat out of the higher elevations last season until after freezing temps took over. Now he wants me to help evaluate whether there is damage and to what extent. Any suggestions on what I should look for? My guess is that he is doomed. I...
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    1994 Wellcraft Excel SL-20

    The stock Myco trailer for my 1994 Excel SL-20 did not include a safety chain for the bow eye. Does anyone have a similar setup where they added a chain? The combination of a small bow eye and the trailer bow roller setup makes adding a chain a bit more confused.
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    Volvo 4.3L one side hotter--with a twist

    One side of the exhaust on my Volvo Penta 4.3L V6 is hotter than the other. But here is the twist, the risers are fine. It's the exhaust down tub after the riser that gets hot. I should mention that everything is original from 1994 with low hours and fresh water only.<br /><br />I don't know...
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    1990 Pleasure Craft cuts out

    1990 Pleasure Craft Model #PLDWVR20 351 V8 240 HP sounds and runs great. But lately it cuts out at high speed and stalls when warm. It starts back up after a pause. <br /><br />Replaced the fuel filter/water seperator, but that didn't help. I don't trust points and condensor style ignition and...
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    Very disturbing "prank"

    This may be a little long, but it is so sick I can barely believe someone would do this...<br /><br />We arrived too late for a camping spot on Friday night and ended up spending the night in the overflow parking area. As dinner is grilling on the barbie, my buddy and I looked over the trailer...
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    Winch + safety chain?

    I had an interesting discussion with a guy who told me to get a safety chain for the front of the boat instead of relying on the trailer winch. My setup never had a safety chain and there is very little clearance for an additional hook through the boat's front eye loop. <br /><br />I was...
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    Volvo 4.3 coil going bad?

    Does a coil just up and fail or does it die an agonizing death? I was out motoring around all day seeing the sights and then stopped for a while. Headed out again about an hour later and the engine backfired through the carb a few times and then quit. There was plenty of gas shooting through...
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